Best All-Mountain Ski (Nordica Enforcer vs K2 Mindbender ) Whistler Blackcomb Test

[@nomadtrails]

I wish that everyone on youtube was as unafraid to be critical. Love the honesty.

[@riseandalpine]

Thank you! I'm all about keeping things authentic.

[@embletonjohn]

Yep purchased a pair of K2 Mindbender 88's and replaced them with a pair of Nordica Enforcer 99's and the nordica's smash the K2 in all areas even with the wider ski. Was a massive K2 fan but now Nordica is the ski (plus my Elan and Head :-)

[@riseandalpine]

Super cool that you feel the same as me after a much longer test. Enforcers are so flipping fun. What Elan's do you ride? Ripstick?

[@jhana9220]

So glad I found your videos. I see a bright future ahead for you. Your enthusiasm makes me smile ear to ear. I feel like I'm there ripping it up with you. I can't wait until I am allowed back to whistler. I definitely need to try those enforcers. I keep hearing awesome reviews about them and yours is a real review, not some hotshot standing there holding the ski explaining stuff.

[@riseandalpine]

Nothing makes me happier than making people smile. Thanks for commenting and making my day! The enforcers are such a blast, I'm super eager to try the 100's too. I'm sure they shred just as well :)

[@brytonhewitt6865]

your reviews are great - only guy I've found who truly shows trees, powder, crud, all the way down to groomed and stiff in one video. You should review the Elan Ripstick 96 + 106 Cheers and great content

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Bryton!! I used to ski on a pair of Elan's and I'd love to try out the Ripstick. I'll see if it's available the next time I demo!

[@ZafodB3]

Tried both of those skis and you reiterated my experience! To be fair I rented Nordica’s boots with the Mindbenders and the fit was poor resulting in a lack of control. However I found the Mindbenders to feel heavy, my biggest complaint. Also the Nordica Enforcers were tested back in the 2016-17 season with well fitting Nordica boots so they have probably changed a bit since then Loved the enforcers, on a 5° F cold Christmas day at Sunshine Village, on a steep groomer they felt very stable under foot!

[@riseandalpine]

Interesting that we had a similar experience. I had the same (great fitting boot on) for both skis and the mindbenders just didn't do it for me :(

[@Didjable]

Great review. I have the K2 mindbender and Enforcer 110 as a two ski quiver. The Mindbenders really shine in steeps, bumps and when the snow gets hard and bad: great edge hold and dampening. Their swing weight is a lot of work in tight spaces especially in chop and trees, not a playful ski. The 110 Enforcers and the K2 are very different skis with different best use scenarios. But I'm looking at the 104 Enforcer to see if it could be the best of both worlds.

[@riseandalpine]

That sounds like an ideal two ski quiver! I feel like the K2 will still have a slight advantage over the 104 on the harder/crunchier stuff! It's nearly impossible to find a ski that satisfies all my cravings, styles and snow conditions. The enforcer 104 is pretty damn good though! Let me know what you think if you test it out.

[@TM-hg3fp]

Hey I have enforcers and mindbenders! I ski the East, so my enforcers are 96 & mindbenders are 88ti (88ti could be women's model, I'm a women). My mindbenders really shine on ice, hard pack & few inches of fluff on ice on frontside, and for that, more versatile in my environment. I love the stability and dampness of enforcer, they are the best cruiser I've ever owned. But they are freakin heavy for me when you have to work your legs. For the East and for not too tall&heavy skiers Mindbenders are a solid choice.

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks for commenting. It's nice to hear that the mindbender performs well on the hardpack. I never really got to test the hard/icy snow!

[@theroadnottakentravel]

The nordica enforcers look (and perform) insane! After skiing amazing pow here in the east coast (highest snowfall of last 5 years), as well as in Banff last season, I decided to sell my Elan carving skis and buy the 2023 K2 Mindbender 90C, which was almost 50% off! They seem like a great all-mountain ski which can handle east coast ice, and BC pow (as opposed to my 78mm Elans). Would have bought the Nordicas if they weren’t over double the price-even last years’ model on sale😅! Looking forward to shredding Revy, Kicking horse, and Red next Feb!

[@nzheliking1278]

My new favourite channel. R&A rips! You need to do some more ski testing…sweet action.

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks Heli King. I'd love to do some more testing. Need to see if some of these ski companies will let me demo for free!

[@jordansinger633]

Thanks for the review. I just upgraded from the ‘01 K2 Enemy to the ‘23 Enforcer 104!! Upgraded boots that were nearly as old to the new Salomon S/pro 120. I’m not sure I’ll even know how to ski anymore.

[@riseandalpine]

LOL - you'll instantly be doing cork 1080's hahaha. You'll probably actually feel a crazy difference compared to people who switch every four years. My twigs are from 2014 and even the 7 years of difference felt nice. So stoked to hear the K2's lived a beautiful 21 year long life!

[@jean-francoiscloutier7361]

For me it's the ELAN RIPSTICK. You'r amazing.....

[@riseandalpine]

I've heard so many good things about the Ripstick! Gotta try them!

[@Themojomercy]

i have a pair of the 2020 Nordica 104 free skis, and one of the origional twin-tip enforcers from back in the day. I have never owned or even demoed any K2 skis since they moved manufacuring from Washington state to China in the early 2000's.

[@riseandalpine]

Good Call!

[@perrydelaney8419]

Nordica Enforcers are awesome. I have been on them for 2 years and they rip in all situations, even the icy hard pack.

[@riseandalpine]

I have to get a set!!

[@c_kennmusic5737]

I was so hoping you'd like the Mindbenders so I could convince myself to give my 90tis another chance. But you seem to feel the same way about the 99 as I do about the 90, which is "meh". Great content! So hard to find an honest review!

[@riseandalpine]

I wanted to like them so bad too... They just weren't the ski for me.

[@AlanLamb11]

@@riseandalpine Nice, was difficult to find a direct comparison between current model Mindbenders and Enforcers. My 2019 100mm Enforcers were stolen last month and I just wasn't sure about replacing my Enforcers + bindings since they are about $200 more even for used demo skis vs the Mindbenders and was hoping the Mindbenders compared more favorably. I ski in the trees alot but hit the groomed pretty hard and moguls a few runs most days and the Enforcers ability to turn quickly, still float in medium POW and having the dampness to take alot of speed seems really hard to come by. The only negatives I've found with the Enforcers is they are relatively heavy and not poppy so when you land little side hits you tend to really feel it compared to more playful skis but in the moguls despite their width they are very skiable and if you wait for the right conditions definitely good for getting some air. Also the Enforcers are heavy enough that on hikes my shoulder actually gets sore if I am carrying them- first ski I wear a pack even for short hikes. The Enforcers are also a bit hooky if you aren't driving them... just drifting down cat tracks near the end of a day when my mind is wandering I've almost lost it more than a few times when the inside edge just behind the front tip caught.

[@derek_406]

Super fun and informative review!

[@riseandalpine]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

I was very impressed by the Salomon QST blank. This skis at 112 mm underfoot and 15 r 17 m radius are insainly playful! I have that experience with Salomon QST 106 they will perform in any given condiotions at all terrain!

[@riseandalpine]

I really want to try the QST now!!!

[@WorldBeater123]

I ride the Mindbender 90TI and it’s great for front side, on piste, groomers and super playful. It is not a good powder ski. I’ve demo’ed the Enforcer 94, and while it’s great, I still prefer the Mindbender 90TI

[@injurylad1]

I ride the Bent Chetler 100 for my daily driver and it performs well in just about any condition. I would say the negative about it is it is not a hard charging carver. Floats well and is pretty poppy in the trees. YOu also might want to try the Blizzard Rustler 10. Stiff under foot but enough width and flex at the tips and tails to do well in the pow.

[@riseandalpine]

I like Blizzard's the Rustler sounds sweet!

[@lamesamebame8476]

bent 100 is ass

[@mackie_p]

Gotta love demo days!!

[@riseandalpine]

Nothing like a little bit of window shopping LOL

[@patrick6906]

Solid video James!! Love watching the channel 🤘

[@riseandalpine]

Ehhh thanks Patrick! I'll keep my eyes peeled for you on the mountain 🤙🤙🤙

[@scollyutube]

If you want something like those two skis combined, try the Enforcer 100 too. Different construction than the 104 but exactly the same shape and can slay out of the trees/onpiste even more while still doing powder pretty nice. Seeing how you ski the Rallys too I think you might like these back of Peak and in Symphony with some room 😉 Just depends on your how playful vs smash everything angle, number of powder vs non powder days and the length chosen.....enjoy. Your vids are kicking it fella!

[@riseandalpine]

I had no idea the 100 is a different construction!! I'm super eager to give them a rip. Maybe they'll be that quiver killer I'm searching for. But you can never have too many skis :) :)

[@scollyutube]

@@riseandalpine Ski of the decade by Blister and a few others rate them massively too. I got the 100s and 88s and they cover most situations and were game changers terrain wise for me coming from Supershape Head Titans too. Used 100s in Japan and were Epic. Live in NZ so don't get to use the 100s as much as I'd like but your season is mint so far this year. I have been to Whistler a few times so know it pretty well and the terrain when it's not just powder. You might be able to drop a length compared to the 104s for more quickness in the trees and you probably still wont outski them in chop by doing that either even at your height..... The 94s are even more versatile but 100s are the best all-rounder with the pow you have if you just want one 😉 Can't go wrong I'm sure. 😎

[@lassivaatamoinen5468]

Probably you are mixing Enforcer 100 vs. 104 Free vs. 104 Unlimited. (Also, the pictures overlaid on the video showed 104 Unlimited, not 104 Free...) 100 has same construction materials as 104 Free. 104 Free has the "twin tip" rocker profile, where as 100 has a flatter tail and shorter tip rocker. 104 Free and 104 Unlimited have the same "twintip" shape, but 104 Unlimited uses carbon fiber in place of the 2 layers of metal in the construction.

[@crtzmo]

I recently rode a brand new pair of Rossignol BlackOps Senders (106 underfoot / 138 tip / 128 tail) for two days in deep powder and bombed out groomers - my first time on skis that wide, and really loved the experience. I haven't been on the Enforcers, but can imagine based on your description that there are some general similarities. Check them out!

[@riseandalpine]

I haven't ridden a pair of Rossi's in ages. The BlackOps Senders sound right up my alley! I'll have to put them on my testing list :) Thanks for the tip Curtis!

[@crtzmo]

@@riseandalpine I wish I could be objective about them -- but really new to the width sector.. Some amazing channels on KZbin working hard to cover the huge amount of skis out there, but there's also the realist in me which reminds me that many of these are in the business of selling skis. Your comparison was really informative, thanks for creating and sharing!

[@riseandalpine]

@@crtzmo No worries! Happy you appreciated it.

[@Uteelo]

my boy! lets go with the rentals

[@riseandalpine]

Forgetting my skis won't stop me... I gotta shred

[@JetsOff]

You need to compare the mindbender TI. You used the carbon version against the TI enforcer. A premium ski against their mid level. I have the MB 89TI. Great ski. Please redo.

[@riseandalpine]

If I stumble across it I'll give it a whirl. The sidecut and rocker profile is similar so I wouldn't imagine the performance changing a whole heck of a lot, but I can't make any judgements until I clip in and go for a ride.

[@1LaneMeyer]

FYI... the K2 MB he demo'd was the 99 Ti. The don't make a C in the 99 or 108 models, only the Ti. The do make a C in the 90, and then the 116 model is also a C model. I have the 99 Ti and concur with you regarding this ski in tight spaces and trees... not the most manuverable/feels on the heavy side, and not the most fun in firm bumps. However, it rails on firmer snow....no speed limit, gobbles up chop and crud, and I'd say good in soft bumps and decent in powder. I also have the 90 Ti and really like it...defintely gelled with the 90 much better than the 99, to me more versatile...great edge hold as well, but also great in bumps, trees, etc. and good in moderate powder up to say boot high.

[@chipbirdiestone8815]

Couldn't agree more with you, the mindbenders are alot of work unless your charging., tails dont release which is fine for groomers but not easy in the trees. Nordica enforcer wins ski of the decade. try the free 104 they have an easier tail and are great all rounders. athough still on the stiff side ya gotta ski em.

[@riseandalpine]

The enforcer is an epic ski! It's cool we had such a similar experience!

[@AlanLamb11]

Would be curious if you get a chance to check out the Fischer Ranger 102s, will demo them next season but missed out this year.

[@riseandalpine]

Haven't got a chance, but I'll make certain to try them next season.

[@gavinhart3489]

Great review! What was the mount point on the enforcer 104? On the line or did you get to try it slightly forward?

[@riseandalpine]

They were mounted right on the line and I loved the feel. Super surfy and stable. I'd be interested in hearing how they feel a little bit more forward.

[@OnTheInternetThisWeek]

I just came from your 2021 Whistler skiing conditions video. Is the snow back yet?

[@riseandalpine]

LOL. I can confirm that the snow has returned hand over fist!!

[@LouMonte7]

How tall are you? Those Enforcer 191s looked like they didn't clear your helmet.

[@riseandalpine]

I'm a bit over 6'2 and with boots and a helmet on maybe 6'4. I usually weigh around 190-200lbs so I can definitely handle an even longer ski, especially for the pow.

[@greasyrails2571]

I’m stuck between the mindbender 99ti and 108ti because we don’t get to much pow in the east coast, but I don’t want to just ski groomers I really like skiing offpiste terrain like off cliffs and ot cliffs

[@riseandalpine]

If it's your daily driver I'd go for the 99ti. My daily driver out west is the enforcer free 104 and I find that perfect and it can even perform amazing in deep heavy pow. Once you break that 108-120 width range you lose fun on harder stuff. 99mm is still healthy wide and should totally kill it on east coast powder days and drops all while being fun and nimble on the hardpack.

[@greasyrails2571]

@@riseandalpine I really liked the video. I want to use these for tree skiing and sending steep cliffs 👍Do you think they will suit my needs for that type of skiing, and I’m also pretty aggressive on double blacks.

[@jacobsimpson347]

Are those mach 1 tecnicas? How do you like them?

[@riseandalpine]

Absolutely love them. I've got huge insteps and the HV version is incredibly comfortable and high performing for me feet. Couldn't say enough good things about those boots.

[@JB91710]

Based on my 58 years of skiing and teaching on all types of skis and lengths, here's the deal, the reality, of skis today. 1. No matter what ski or length you buy, you have to adapt your body to it. Your upper body positioning has to be adjustable to make the skis work in all types of conditions and grades. Example: There are all types of cars from Smart Cars to Formula One. They all go forward and back and make turns but your input is going to vary to make them work in every conmdition and situation. Even cars in the same class, race cars for instance, each one will require specific inputs from you to make it work at it's peak performance. 2. Back to skis. Each ski in each class, in each available length, will need adjustments in your input to make them work on the exact same line down a given slope. 3. Basically, the slower you want to go, the shorter the ski. The faster you want to go, the longer the ski. Go karts have very short wheel bases. Land speed cars have very long wheelbases. You need the right length for the speed you plan on going. 4. When I ski, all I do is evaluate the skiers around me. 9 out ot 10 skiers ski incorrectly. Their input is all wrong and defeats the design intention of the skis. They actually ski as if they have wood 1x4's with screwed on edges and force the skis to turn instead of allowing them to perform as designed. It is NOT your fault!!! It is the way you were taught and unfortunatily, the way you are Still taught today. So, what you have on your boots doesn't really matter much. So here is the way for you to buy skis. a. Pick you favorite brand. b. Pick your favorite color to match your boots and cloths. I'm not kidding! c. Go to the best ski shop in your ski area and tell them how you ski. A video on your cell phone will be of great help. Like I said, it really doesn't matter much. d. Rent a few different skis from them and choose the ones you like the best. Understanding what skiing is and what the skis need from you is the answer, not which skis you have on. No matter what ski "I" put on, I would have to adapt to what it needs.

[@riseandalpine]

Loved reading this! All great insights. At the end of the day it always comes down to the driver. I grew up riding pow in race skis. BUT, what I can say for certain is once you've got technique handled, the ski width and sidecut make a massive difference depending on snow condition/the riding style you choose for the day. Nothing is more miserable than spending a day on the groomers on my 120mm underfoot skis (when I want to carve) or spending a day in the pow on my 70mm underfoot skis. (when I want to send it) Most people just have one set and at the end of the day you get used to what you have and learn to love them!

[@JB91710]

@@riseandalpine I have skis for different conditions. But within a certain class, the differences vary slightly so you pick what looks the best and adapt to it. Kind of like a motorcycle. You're always going to buy what looks good in the class you're interested in and then adapt.

[@sandraoviedo6377]

Great points . A good skier who understands the ski he or she is on will usually make it work . ADAPT ! We skied powder and crud on 200s and looked elegant . This guy appears to be throwing his skis around .

[@ambertudor]

You said you left your skis at home? what skis are they and did you like either of the skis you demoed better than the ones you own??

[@riseandalpine]

2014 Salomon Rocker 2's (190cm length 111mm waist). I 100% liked the Enforcers better than my Salomon's. They played similar in the powder but the enforcers were actually enjoyable to ride in the crud, groomers and bumps. The 111mm length and cut on the Soloman don't make them very fun outside of the really soft snow. I think a 104 waist is pretty ideal for the average resort rider!

[@ambertudor]

@@riseandalpine have you skied on a ski that you have liked better than the enforcer? have you skied the Salomon QST 98 or Dynastar 99 M-Free's??

[@sharkiesgirl8929]

Great review both skis i wanted to compare myself ty.

[@riseandalpine]

Which ones do you think you'll go for?

[@sharkiesgirl8929]

@@riseandalpine Nordica i was always a huge k2 fan but alot of skiers agree nordica feel good check all boxes. I ski similar terrain. I was also gonna try the pink fishers.

[@nikolaivasilev9745]

You missed the ting... You need to compare the 104 enforcer vs the Mindbender 108Ti... But anyway really nice style of reviewing :)

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks! I Totally agree. it would have been a better comparison with the wider ski. I just went with whatever the demo shop had available!

[@nygisgod]

as a an enforcer drop out and newly chentler. the enforcer is to charge mindbender and chentler are king.

[@riseandalpine]

Lots of my friends ride the Chetler and absolutely love it. I'll have to give it a spin one of these days. In the end it all just comes down to personal preference and what ski feels the best with your riding style 🤙 🤙 🤙

[@dougclark9917]

I'm was checking out both of these exactly. Glad I watched your video. I'm at Alyeska in Ak and mainly its hardback with days of wet dump (basically at sea level). So mainly groomers all day. What ya think would be betta?

[@dougclark9917]

Also checking out Qst 98, enforcer 100, elan ripstick 96 and the heads, so many decisions.

[@riseandalpine]

Hey Doug, If you are mainly doing groomers then I would recommend going with a waist width less than 100. All such good skis. The mindbender is quite stiff and stable, but for my style of skiing I would choose the enforcer 100 or the ripstick because they have a softerflex and feel more playful!

[@nzheliking1278]

You need to get on the Volkl Katana 108...beast.

[@riseandalpine]

I'll put the Katana's on my list!!

[@downhillskier7]

Line Blade 177 length 154- 94-124 would fit your need for front side ski that you can bounce around in powder snake though the trees.

[@riseandalpine]

I haven't rode on Line skis in forever! I'll put those on the list to try!

[@ishadisks7769]

when was this? isnt whistler icy af right now after the rain

[@riseandalpine]

Hey Isha, this was a few days prior to the rain. Conditions are not this soft right now LOL. My videos are usually backlogged a few days since it takes time to edit.

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

Love to try 4FRNT MSPs or J'SKIS HOTSHOT what about PRIOR isn't that a local builder there ?

[@riseandalpine]

The Hotshot looks so sick!!! I've never seen the Hotshot or Prior skis available to demo at Whistler. Customizing a ski from Prior would be quite the dream.

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

@@riseandalpine just email J SKIS get a demo pair :) worth a shot ELAN RIPSTICK 106 also

[@Trailer__Swift]

Would love to hear what your opinion is on the Volkl M6 Mantra or the Kendo 88?

[@riseandalpine]

Firstly, you have one of the best names of all commenters. I haven't tried either. But I used to ski on a pair of Mantras and absolutely loved them. Can't go wrong with either ski. Volkl makes good shit! West Coast I'd go with the Mantra - East Coast I'd go with the Kendo.

[@user-hr4fb9zo5g]

How tall you are since you choose 191 cm lenght for Nordica? Which boots you recommend for this skis? 120 flex or less?

[@riseandalpine]

I'm 6'2 The flex of the boot totally depends on your ability as a skier. 120 is a great flex for an aggressive or heavier skier. My boots are Nordica Mach 1 MV 130 Flex and I love them!

[@user-hr4fb9zo5g]

@@riseandalpine I order Nordica Enforcer 104 free for next season, I am 190 cm / 87-90 kg and a choose 186 cm. Now I have Salomon ski boots with 90 flex but a feel that I need stiffer one for deep snow and tree skiing. Can wait to try them. Thanks on your great video. 💪🎿❄️👍

[@sirjackcosgrove]

Try the Line Sick Day 94 + 104

[@riseandalpine]

Line Sick Day sounds like a blast. I'll add it to me (to be tested) list

[@vb5396]

Bro, in the images you show the new nordica enforcer unlimited but you skied the nodica enforcer.... the unlimited is much lighter then the regular enforcer you were skiing. ;)

[@riseandalpine]

Ooops. I skiied the Nordica Enforcer 104 free. Didn't pay much attention to the picture I guess LOL.

[@jbuffaloman311]

Find a pair of Nordica Helldorado"s!

[@riseandalpine]

Helldorado's look fun as HELL! I'll put em on my testing list!

[@stevechou7726]

in here it's enforce 104 unlimited: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5jSl5ycodZmbNE but in there the skis are enforce 104 free: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5jSl5ycodZmbNE , I am confusing which skis are you testing....

[@riseandalpine]

This was the enforcer 104 free. No they Just call them the 'Enforcer'. Enforcer Unleashed is their freeride ski, a little more playful. The enforcer Unlimited is the ski touring version which is the lightest.

[@lpja2326]

You forgot your skis, lots of us forgot how to ski , no end in sight, 3 years and counting...... 😖

[@riseandalpine]

Ah man that sucks, I'm so sorry you can't get out on the ski hill. I wish there was an end in sight as well :(. Very lucky here in BC that ski hills are open.

[@lpja2326]

@@riseandalpine Enjoy, life's short

[@DD-sr9xm]

This is absurd. There are dozens of “best all mountain skis”. Both of these skis are great and there are another dozen that are just as good.

[@jameskennedy586]

I have the Solomon QXT 98 incredible skis with look pivot bindings, (for the 2 piece, shorter drill pattern). The newest technology makes a huge difference! With all do respect I think your comment was absurd. I assume just don't understand the difference. The Enforcer is worth every penny more than you will pay for 90% of all skis out there. But if you want to buy your skis off of craigslist, yes, you can still have fun!! Now if you really want to live on the edge, buy these skis or the Volkl M6 Mantra is a great pick also, but I wouldn't say there are dozens I would choose from.